Shirley Barton is leaving her position at Arthur Barnett in
Dunedin after 28 years of advising people on make-up and
fragrance purchases. Photo Gerard O'Brien.
After 28 years of helping Dunedin put its best face
forward, Shirley Barton will soon take time for herself.
The 82-year-old has been working in the cosmetic department
of Arthur Barnett since 1983 and said the years had "gone
very quickly".
"I've loved my work, really loved it."
However, much to the disappointment of her loyal customers,
she will clock off for good in early August after taking
voluntary redundancy as part of a restructuring of the
company.
"I've always said Arthur Barnett's greatest strength is its
staff, and I hope there will be no casualties of our
experienced staff in the restructuring."
After spending 18 years selling Elizabeth Arden and the last
10 years on the imported fragrance counter, Ms Barton had
seen many changes to both Arthur Barnett and retail in
general.
When she started at the store, it took up the entire mall
space.
It may be smaller now, but it remained a "wonderful firm to
work for", she said.
Retail, on the other hand, had changed "for the worse".
"The sales used to fall into your lap. Now you have to work
hard for them. There is a lot more competition around too,
and so many people are shopping on the internet, which is a
killer."
Customers are also wanting more for their money, with many
forgoing "loyalty to their counter" for offers of gifts with
purchases.
Despite the changes, Ms Barton continued her work because she
enjoyed it so much.
She has no fears about keeping occupied when she leaves,
though, as with a wide circle of friends and family she will
have "loads to do".
"I'll be sorry to leave because it has been lovely, but I
think it's my time to go."
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